Artist Elayna Toby sees an interconnectedness of nature and human-made items that most of us miss. She started as a jeweler in the late 1980’s and has been creating mobiles since the mid 1990’s and incorporating “found objects” since 2003. She has had commissioned works and exhibitions throughout Palm Beach County over the past seven years. Her true joy is transforming ordinary objects into the extraordinary. Elayna Toby’s re-imagining and re-purposing brings us decorative kinetic mobile for the home and garden plus wearable sculpture! Her moving sculptures stir, sway and twirl outdoors in the wind – and indoors by the breeze of a fan or vent. Feel the freedom of the movement! The Rickie Report shares Elayna Toby’s journey to bring us “Art That Moves” just in time for the holidays. Here are some sneak peeks and the story of her journey.

ART THAT MOVES

An Introduction:

” Mobiles, Kinetic-Connections,”

and

“RePurposing”

Elayna Toby

Elayna Toby Singer shares, “I am drawn to materials that come from the earth and to forms transformed through encounters with the elements. Presented in new contexts, each object’s intrinsic beauty is revealed. Balance and movement stir from the center connecting with our emotional, physical and spiritual core. Linking one object to the next, both physically and visually, awareness moves between root and crown. The space between reminds us to breathe. With each twirl and sound, energy shifts, spirit awakens, transformation occurs”.

Over a year ago, as the City of Boynton Beach prepared for the 2015 International Kinetic Art Exhibit and Symposium, Elayna Toby’s vision for transforming an old kapok tree into a kinetic sculpture was percolating. For three days only, February 6-8, 2015, the tree was transformed into living kinetic art with 16-foot long, twirling strands bedecking its grand limbs. This magical community art project was honored with the “People’s Choice Award,” selected by thousands of attendees who voted on 14 outdoor showcased kinetic sculptures by artists from around the world.

Click here to Watch the Video

Elayna Toby conceived of “Kinetic Connections” as a way to encourage everyone to tap their inner artist, re-imagine everyday objects as art, and to join in on the transformative project. She held community workshops; provided County-wide drop boxes for contributed items; and ultimately combined the items with her own pieces to craft the thousands of objects into the kinetic strands.

Selected from more than 100 International entries, “Kinetic-Connections” was featured as one of 25 Kinetic Projects in CODA magazine, being. The creative up-cycling, community art project Kinetic-Connections is still making an impact in the art world.

CODAmagazine Featuring “Kinetic-Connections”

“Re-Imagination Series”

The artist tells The Rickie Report, “During the Kinetic Art Symposium half of the 16 foot long strands were sold right off the tree. To celebrate “the season of light” and forthcoming New Year, the remaining strands from the kapok tree are being “Re-Imagined” into 4 foot strands with more embellishments, including additional mirrors which delightfully reflect and bounce the light. These new mobiles are now available in my online shop to add twirling happiness to one’s home or garden”.

“Excessories”

Recently inspired by a friend wondering what to do with the remaining “onesie” earrings after its match is lost or broken, Elayna Toby created “Excessories”, which invited the public to contribute their excess accessory pieces towards the original project. A percent of proceeds will benefit the development of the local fashion district in Palm Beach County.

Elayna Toby continued her tradition of collecting “stories of stuff,” which provided a rich narrative for the individual pieces, and for the sculpture composition as a whole. She tells us, ” A tape measure from noted Worth Avenue designer Alfred Fiadace; a lapel pin in the shape of a submarine donated from the wife of a man who retired from the Navy – the stories are moving, whimsical and meaningful.

Note the “onesie” earring which is now part of “Excessories”

Nearly 200 re-imagined pieces were combined into a rich composition of colors, textures and sounds. The individual “excessories” themselves include pieces by Roberto Cavalli and Versace, vintage couture, tools of the trade (spools, tape measures) and more. The results is a kinetic wall sculpture; a visual tapestry woven with the histories behind each piece.

Sample excess accessories before they were re-imagined into “Excessories”

Personalized Adornments:

Elayna Toby began as a jewelry designer, fashioning her first kinetic piece as earrings. Her “aha” mobile moment happened when she was working at a botanical garden. Inspired by Mother Nature’s exquisite beauty, Elayna Toby collected fallen seeds and branches which she combined with beads to create her earliest kinetic works. The journey continues today with her mobile kinetic earrings that express her passion for repurposing and creative reuse.

Elayna Toby uses only “cold connections” – no welding or soldering. She combines wrapping and knotting techniques, swivels and metal links, to connect one object to another. Re-imagined and re-purposed everyday objects are combined to extraordinary effect. All of her moving sculpture and kinetic jewelry are one-of-a-kind.

“Wash & Wear Series”

Mobile, Kinetic Earrings

“The “Wash & Wear” series features found washers I’ve collected, cleaned and cleverly re-imagined. Given that washers hold things together, stability and connection will come to all who adorn themselves with these wearable kinetic sculptures”.

Necklaces, Bracelets, Earrings, Oh My!

The natural properties and symbolism associated with each piece’s beads and metals infuses every Elayna Toby creation. For the bracelet set above, flexibility and strength, clarity and grounding properties ignite to alchemical effect.

Trina Slade-Burks has been curating art shows alongside her husband Anthony Burks Sr. for close to a decade. While her focus previously has been the creativity of others, it is time to celebrate a SOLO Exhibit of her own artistry! Already on display, “Women Unite” runs through May 28th. There will be a public reception on Saturday, May 24th, so check it out at Harold’s Coffee Lounge. The Rickie Report shares the details and a sneak peek.

Trina Slade-Burks

SOLO Exhibit:

“Women Unite”

Public Reception:

Saturday, May 24th 6- 9 pm

Harold’s Coffee Lounge

509 Northwood Road

West Palm Beach, FL 33407

Exhibit runs April 24-May 28

*There will be light refreshments (samples from Trina’s up-coming 2nd cookbook), however please support the venue by purchasing coffee, tea, and other things that Harold’s provide. The mission is to support local arts and local businesses.

Trina Slade-Burks has been curating art shows alongside her husband Anthony Burks Sr. for close to a decade. Some of the exhibitions’ include Collaboration: The Florida Endangered Species Exhibition at the Paul Fisher Gallery, Collaboration: African Diaspora Exhibition at the Armory Art Center, CONTINUUM in the Downtown District of West Palm Beach under the direction of ArtSynergy and co-curated BACKGROUND: Cultural Inspiration in Contemporary Art at ArtHouse 429 Gallery. Trina has also self-published 5 books since 2009 with a new cookbook due to be launched the winter of 2014.

Though Trina has exhibited in collaborative shows in the past, she has never had a SOLO exhibition. This show, Women Unite” is a tribute to women empowerment. Born in Harlem, NY. , raised in Marble Hill Projects in the Bronx, Trina Slade-Burks is from an artistic lineage. Her multimedia influences have included creative writing, visual arts, music and theatrical arts disciplines.

Trina Slade-Burks

After graduating from college in Fort Lauderdale with a degree in Visual Communications in the late 80’s, Trina felt the strong need to work creatively. She moved back to New York City and re-exposed herself to the creative flow she was longing for. Trina later married a fellow artist Anthony Burks and together they have journeyed on to the next level of exposing people to what makes the world a better place: ART.

Trina Burks, Magnets

In 1993 Trina and Anthony created A.T.B. Fine Artists & Designers (formerly A.T.B Graphic Designers); offering image-building and branding for artists and companies. They also connect artists to clients and act as mentors to young artists by offering training for the professional art world. In 2009 their company was registered as an LLC in West Palm Beach, FL.

Trina Burks, Mixed Media

With artists Barbara Cheives & Lea Jefferson, Trina and Anthony created and launched a traveling art exhibition called “Collaboration” in 2007 which showcases art of different disciplines in alternative spaces. “Collaboration” is a new concept in art presentation. Being in homes or businesses, allows artwork to be viewed by clients in a more realistic environment rather than a gallery or museum. It gives the artists an opportunity to interact with buyers on a one-to-one basis and develop a personal relationship without a third party facilitator.

Trina Burks

Besides nurturing other innovative souls the couple is raising their two sons Anthony Jr. and Raymond who are equally as artistic as their parents. Trina has been a major player in the development of art and culture for programs in Palm Beach County, FL. Her groundbreaking projects focus on the goal of developing the artistic souls of youth and adults alike, through creativity.

Trina Burks, “Understand Me”

Trina published her first book, ” What is My Priority?” in June 2009 which is a collaborative of poetry, affirmations & art. She previously wrote articles, interviews and acted as the ghostwriter for the blog “Afro Boy” (with musician/writer Alexie F formerly of online hip-hop radio show The Zro Hour both found on Blogspot.com.) The collaboration ended in February 2014. This art educator and art activist has also worked for a number of art programs and organizations including the Center for Creative Education and The Armory Art Center.

In 2010 Trina, self published her second book, ” 2Faced: The Devil’s Advocate”, referencing her traits as a true Gemini; playing the devil’s advocate in life. In November 2011, she self-published her 4th book which is her first cook book. It is a mixture of friends’ and family recipes called “Soul Much More from Scratch”. It contains recipes from her childhood memories as well as recipes created by Trina in her adulthood.

In March 2012, Trina & Anthony curated an art event called “Endangered Florida Species Art Exhibition”. The event benefited Florida Environmental charities. (Loggerhead Marine, Busch Wildlife & the Arthur R Marshall Foundation). The next year, Trina co-curated “Collaboration: African Diaspora Exhibition” and published the collaborative book, ” The Mighty 9″ at the Armory Art Center. This show broke the record for the largest attended opening exhibit at the Armory to date.

At the same time, Trina was honored by the Delta Heritage Foundation, in partnership with the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority as a 2013 Woman Of Excellence at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. It was a celebration of Trina’s ongoing contributions to the arts community. The featured speaker was Dr. Bernice A. King, daughter of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King.

January 2014, in partnership with Craig McInnis, ArtSynergy & ArtPalmBeach and with sponsorship of Downtown Development Authority of West Palm Beach, Trina’s company A.T.B. managed “CONTINUUM”, the downtown West Palm Beach popup art fair during ArtPalmBeach Weekend.

“The Show Must Go On” is normally associated with theater. In the midst of dealing with the devastation of the Boynton Beach Flood and injury, Rolando Chang Barrero put aside an important document. The ARTalFRESCO satellite exhibit was one the biggest efforts by Rolando to highlight the City of Boynton Beach’s art scene and was a pillar of Art Synergy’s premiere. The Rickie Report shares the details of the document and invites everyone to gain a better understanding of the role of art in our everyday lives. We include a number of events that you will not want to miss!

Boynton Beach Leads the Way

RECEPTION FOR “ELEMENTS” EXHIBITION

February 13, 2014

Boynton Beach City Library

208 South Seacrest Blvd.

5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Exhibit Continues Through May, 2014

While dealing with the devastation of the Boynton Beach Flood, a brown envelope was put aside to be opened at a later moment. The manila envelope was stacked among the many “get to it later” correspondence that did not look like a bill. At the time cleaning up and preparing for the ARTalFRESCO Exhibition was paramount, it was only days away–and the show must go on. The ARTalFRESCO satellite exhibit was one the biggest efforts by Rolando Chang Barrero to highlight the City of Boynton Beach’s art scene. Busy with the cleanup, the exhibit, an injury to his left hand, and fundraising for the losses incurred by the flood, the envelope remained unopened.

Damage from the Boynton Beach Flood

After all was said and done, in a moment reprieve from the madness, the letter from the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington D.C. was opened. The Honorable Alcee L. Hastings had penned a glowing letter of recognition to local artist and arts administrator, Rolando Chang Barrero, for “The wonderful work teaching the students of Manatee Elementary the importance of recycling and showing them how to turn trash into art.” The Congressman’s letter which came as an unexpected surprise, “Brought tears to my eyes,” says Barrero.

Rolando who is no stranger to motivating the community through his art is participating in “ELEMENTS”, a three man exhibit on the importance of safeguarding South Florida’s Eco-system. “ELEMENTS” includes work by Greg Matthews, Rolando Chang Barrero and Anthony Burks, Sr. at the City Library on Boynton Beach, all are invited to the reception on February 13, 2014 from 5:30-7:30.

The South Florida ecosystem relies heavily on elements which surround our wildlife and impact our daily lives. From the aquifer to coastal waters, from everglades to beaches, from hurricanes to flash fires, we experience our environment in its natural habitat.

Greg Matthews, Rolando Chang Barrero and Anthony Burks,Sr.

In this exhibit three artists Rolando Chang Barrero, Anthony Burks Sr. and Greg Matthews highlight the importance of the environmental conversation movement in South Florida. Collectively, the artists engaged in conversations and site visits with leaders of conservatory organizations throughout South Florida.

They observed, documented and processed their images and experiences. The artists created three collaborative artworks which are the centerpiece of the Elements exhibition. Each artist contributed his medium to the collaborative artworks: Rolando, painting; Anthony, drawing; and Greg, photography. The collaborative artworks are not only esthetically pleasing but have great social impact. Each artist also has several individual artworks exhibited to demonstrate their medium and commitment to environmental issues.

This exhibition supports and builds upon the City of Boynton Beach’s GREEN programs including Earthweek activities, Climate Action Plan, Galaxy E3 Elementary School, Seaborne Cove and its Old Dixie Eco Walk. It is hoped is that visitors will have a deeper appreciation for the South Florida’s ecosystems by experiencing this exhibition.

Later this month Rolando will be joining Lori Durante, organizer of Children & Family Day, to produce a puppets and puppet show with children on the importance of fresh fruit in their daily diet. The theme for the the annual event is ‘Apples.’ Children & Family Day is held at the Boynton Beach Women’s Club, on February 23, 2014, noon to 4 p.m.

Having just completed its premiere launch into the art world with Art Palm Beach, Art Synergy is not resting on its laurels. This week, Art Synergy will partner with the American International Fine Art Fair which convenes at the Palm Beach County Convention Center Feb. 4th through Feb.9th. There will be three Art Loops: Art X (Northwood Village), Continuum (W. Palm Beach) and Art Fusion (Lake Worth). The Rickie Report shares the details with you in this article.

Art Synergy partners with International American Fine Art Fair with three Art Loops. American International Fine Art Fair to Celebrate its 18th Season in Palm Beach February 4 – 9 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. Modern and Contemporary Art and Design, Sculpture, Objets d’Art, Exquisite Jewelry and Period Paintings from the Masters Available for Collectors

Public Hours

Long regarded as the most elegant annual fair of the American winter season, AIFAF offers an unmatched cultural experience for discerning and sophisticated collectors. A selection of prestigious international galleries and an informative, educational lecture program attract substantial attendance each year.

Art Talks:

While travelling in Australian in the early 1990s, Guerinni-Maraldi and her husband purchased a major work by Freddie Timms,“Sugar Bag,” (acrylic on canvas, 180 x 230 cm) painted during the artist’s time working with Frank Watters (Watters Gallery) in Sydney. This magical painting was the single catalyst that spurred Guerinni-Maraldi to begin exhibiting and selling contemporary art in London in the new millennium. Each year, she travels to Australia visiting remote indigenous communities, curators, collectors and artists. Her efforts in the United Kingdom aim to establish a greater awareness of high quality indigenous work and to build a stronger market for ethically sourced, contemporary Australian indigenous fine art.

For the last 20 years, Michael Goedhuis has been at the forefront of the popularization of contemporary Chinese art. Goedhuis will examine that tradition, its relevance today, and how new works can be combined with ancient material. Goedhuis has held many exhibitions on the new Chinese brush painters, most recently at the Saatchi Gallery in London in 2013.

Holden Luntz of Holden Luntz Gallery Palm Beach presents a look inside Naundorf’s series on haute couture fashion including her work for Chanel, Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier, Lacroix, Elie Saab, Lagerfeld and Valentino. Her artistic process through this series was very thorough as she researched the history of the houses, explored the archives of the couturiers, and chose the models, hair and makeup. With her research, she created lively storyboards, as well as written summaries of her productions, which include personal interviews with designers.

Géza von Habsburg is an internationally renowned author and leading authority on Fabergé. Much of his career has been devoted to organizing and curating exhibitions all over the world. He served as the curator and organizer for Fabergé, Jeweller to the Tsars (1986–87) at the Kunsthalle in Munich. Also, while a Board Member of the Fabergé Arts Foundation, he was Chief Curator of Fabergé, Imperial Court Jeweler (1993–94), which was shown in Saint Petersburg, Paris and London. He also served as Guest Curator of Fabergé in America, which toured five cities in the United States (1996–97). As an educator, Géza von Habsburg served as an associate professor at the New York School of Interior Design, the Bard Graduate Center for Studies in the Decorative Arts, and New York University. He is currently a lecturer for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

Last year saw a transformation of AIFAF with the adoption of an easily navigable floor plan, a more contemporary presentation and a fashionable new restaurant and VIP facilities. Together, these elements offer an extraordinary atmosphere for viewing and purchasing the museum-quality art. Each work is vetted by experts who carefully examine for quality, authenticity and condition, ensuring that collectors may buy with confidence.

This year’s AIFAF will be followed by the inaugural Miami Art + Design (MA+D) from February 13 – 18. Set in a spectacular waterfront location “in the round” at Bayfront Park in Miami, it is now possible for visitors from afar to visit chic Palm Beach and alluring Miami on successive weekends. MA+D will showcase more than 40 prominent international art and design galleries featuring fine and decorative arts from Old Masters, Impressionism and Post-Impressionism to Post War and Pop Art offering collectors an opportunity to view and purchase treasures rarely seen outside major museum collections. MA+D is produced by International Fine Art Expositions (IFAE) in collaboration with the SNA, the organizer of the prestigious Paris Biennale and co-organizer of New York’s Salon: Art + Design.

AIFAF is open to the public February 5 – 9 from noon – 7 p.m. (on February 7 until 9 p.m.) at the Palm Beach County Convention Center located at 650 Okeechobee Boulevard in West Palm Beach. One-day passes are $20 per person in advance; $25 at the door and multi-day passes are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Passes are available for advance purchase at http://ifae.ticketleap.com/aifaf2014/.

About International Fine Art Expositions (IFAE)

International Fine Art Expositions (IFAE) founders David and Lee Ann Lester have pioneered more international fine art fairs than any global fair organizer since 1991, having established Art Miami in January 1991, The Palm Beach International Art & Antique Fair (now AIFAF) in 1997, Art Palm Beach in 1998 and MIA in 2010. They have organized more than 90 international art fairs, worldwide, in New York, Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Chicago, Dallas, London and Hong Kong. For more information, please call 239-949-5411 or visit www.ifae.com, facebook.com/IFAE01 and twitter.com/_IFAE.

Continuum West Palm Beach

312 Clematis Street, Downtown West Palm Beach, FL

“Rooted Ground Unlimited” by Anthony Burks,Sr.

Clematis Street is the historical heart of Downtown West Palm Beach. The Clematis flower ironically is known as the “traveler’s joy”. The vision for the Continuum location 312 Clematis is just that, the traveler’s joy in experiencing art in the Art & Entertainment location of central West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is the Title Sponsor for CONTINUUM and A.T.B. Fine Artists & Designers LLC is the design & curating team for CONTINUUM.

“The Perfect Game” by Beju

CONTINUUM RETURNS

Thursday, February 6 4 – 8 pm

Friday, February 7 4 – 8 pm

Saturday, February 8 Noon – 8pm ( Closing Reception)

LULA Lake Worth Arts District: Featuring a colorful, artistic, and vibrant cultural landscape along the main streets located west of Dixie Highway, Lake and Lucerne, visitors can find the energetic Urban Arts Lofts of Lake Worth. The eclectic mix of galleries, music venues and unique specialty studios means there is never a shortage of things to do.

Downtown Lake Worth, long known for its charming eccentricities in art deco architecture, culture and people has opened its arms to a rebirth of some of the finest visual arts, experimental music forms, dance and theater groups. This is reflected in the many locally-owned boutiques, art galleries, vintage shops, and specialty and jewelry stores. Flamingo Clay Studio, Lake Worth Art League Gallery,Art Link International, Clay Glass Metal Stone Cooperative Gallery, Bruce Webber Galleries, Maryanne Webber Galleries, Margot Stein Gallery, Artefact Pardo Gallery, McMow Art Glass, Art Gallery Designs, Shoe String Designs, Local Smoking Domain, and Artisans on the Ave are just a few of the participating galleries.

What happens when a grassroots movement brings artists from different associations, guilds, and galleries together? ART SYNERGY! The Rickie Report has written previously about the “Think Tank” meetings that began in May, 2013. With the visionary leadership of a few and the voices of many, we are excited to share ART SYNERGY, which will be part of Art Palm Beach in January, 2014! There are many opportunities for artists, galleries and groups to become involved. Read this article for more details!

ArtPalmBeach

Announces

Art Synergy

Jan. 23-28, 2014

Lee Ann Lester, Organizer of ArtPalmBeach Contemporary Art Fair, announced today the launch of the first “Art Synergy” Art Week during the upcoming ArtPalmBeach art fair. “ART SYNERGY is a countywide movement to unify and promote the diverse culture of our vibrant arts community”, explainedCraig McInnis, West Palm Beach Art District Coordinator. Initiated by Lee Ann Lester, Fair Organizer and local gallery owners Rolando Barrero, Craig McInnis, and Freddy Hennevelt; “Art Synergy” is a coordinated five day event with over 60 galleries, studios, non-profit art exhibition institutions and museums in six art districts throughout Palm Beach County during the five day fair, Jan. 23-28th.

Rolando Barrero, Director of ActivistArtistA Galleryand Developer of Boynton Beach Arts District; “Since opening my gallery, in a run-down industrial park in 2012, my dream was to develop the area into an art district and cultural center. It has taken only 2 years to do so. Now that it has been cleaned up, repainted, and nationally branded – it’s ready to be presented to the arts world. Lee Ann Lester is vital to this effort and it’s with much gratitude that I thank her for accepting our proposal to participate under Palm Beach’s flagship art exposition: ART PALM BEACH.”

Lee Ann Lester, Founder and Organizer of ArtPalmBeach, says,“Palm Beach County has a great legacy in supporting the arts and is home to many of Florida’s leading art and cultural institutions. Art Synergy will create a new bridge for winter residents and ArtPalmBeach visitors to explore this cultural legacy and create an annual destination to enjoy Palm Beach County Art Week events.”

The first evening of Art Synergy begins at ART al’ FRESCO at the Boynton Beach Art District, on January 24th 7pm – 1am.ART al’ FRESCO will feature “Sensabilities: CherylMaeder and Ali Miranda” at the ActivistArtistA Gallery, a walking tour of the Murals of the Bay Gates Projects, special performances and showcasing of work by local area artists.

Each art district will offer a weekend of scheduled gallery walks, symposiums, open studio visits, special exhibitions, poetry readings, architectural tours, film previews, and art performances.

The Participating Art Districts:

Historic Northwood Village, West Palm Beach

Clematis Street & West Palm Beach

S. Dixie Highway Arts District, West Palm Beach

Palm Beach Worth Avenue

Boynton Beach

Lake Worth

ArtPalmBeach is the most recognized international contemporary art fair held in the Palm Beach County Convention Center established by the IFAE LLC a Florida based art fair organizer. IFAE produces both ArtPalmBeach established in 1997 and The American International Fine Art Fair Palm Beach February 4-9, 2014 established in 1996.

IFAE is celebrating its 25th year as an international fair organizer founded by Lee Ann and David Lester. The company has organized over 100 international art fairs in Chicago, New York, Miami, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, Dallas and Palm Beach. IFAE LLC is now based in Miami and Palm Beach. In addition to the two Palm Beach fairs the firm organizes Miami International Art Fair, Miami Art + Design Fair, Art Sarasota, Miami International Jewelry Fair and The Club at SeaFair events in conjunction with Show Management Yacht Shows in Ft. Lauderdale, Miami Beach and Palm Beach.

The Organizers of ArtPalmBeach, Jan 23-27 and American International Art Fair (AIFA), Feb. 4-9, invite the galleries of Palm Beach County to participate in a county wide gallery opening weekend promotion during each of the upcoming 2014 fairs. Each gallery district is encouraged to use these Jan. and Feb. dates as a kick off of the upcoming season of gallery walks, openings or special art/cultural events. The Rickie Report encourages Palm Beach County artists, art organizations and galleries to read this article and join together! Read about how this partnership was born and more details in this article.

From “THINK TANK” to Action

On May 23, 2013 over 45 artists, art organizers and art promoters met to form a new group, the Palm Beach County Think Tank. The mission of the Think Tank is to “bring together a group for individuals committed to the advancement of the arts in Palm Beach County through the exchange of ideas and program development”. Under the leadership of Craig McInnis, Frank Basta and Rolando Chang Barrero, the Think Tank focused on its first goal, to coalesce and energize the broad-based Palm Beach County art scene into events surrounding Art Palm Beach in January, 2014.

Through a series of open meetings and working committees, the Think Tank identified 3 different Art Districts to focus on, (Lake Worth and Boynton Beach Art districts) and Historic Northwood Village Artx (West Palm Beach) . Last week, the two groups of galleries and artists from the 3 Art Districts met for the first time. The “Think Tank” (Lake Worth and Boynton Beach Art Districts) and Historic Northwood Village Artx (West Palm Beach). As both these groups were working separately on art events and the organization of an Art Event, Freddy Hennevelt was key in contacting Lee Ann Lester of IFAE.

Craig McInnis shares, “During this meeting we decided that we want to work together on our Art Walks and on the big Art Palm Beach event in January and AIFA in February”.

Lee Ann Lester, Organizer of IFAE LLC is enthusiastic about this partnership. She states, ” Now is the time to plan for a very successful 2014 season. The local economy, housing market, job growth are all on the rise. We encourage each district to form a steering committee to encourage the participation of dealer, artist and non-profit institution. Thousands of art enthusiasts are drawn to Palm Beach County for each of these four day Fair Events. Use your combined creative intelligence to promote the arts of Palm Beach county and your gallery district. I look forward to speaking to you personally about your ideas for these two weekends of events.”

IFAE will offer support in promoting these county wide events in the fair PR, marketing materials, web site, web links and publicity. Events will be included in the fair’s printed program which over 250,000 are distributed in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Palm Beach Daily News. Additionally, special sections devoted to Palm Beach County Arts will be offered by “Modern Painters” and “Sculpture” December issue magazines. These issues will be distributed at Miami Basel art fairs, conferences and international fairs. The magazines are offering discounted advertising rates to all local galleries.

To be able to promote the January and February events she needs a program of what we are going to do during the art events before Oct. 10th . If you are interested in being involved in this exciting, innovative programming, PLEASE contact one or all of the Art District Representatives!

Each Art District has a representative with names and contact info. The Rickie Report urges you to contact these representatives and join this exciting art movement!